Case Study – Bristolian’s Guide to Solid Wall Insulation
In 2015, Bristol launched an 88-page planning guide to help plan home improvements. The Bristolian’s Guide to Solid Wall Insulation is
a detailed document to guide you through the thought process and considerations for undertaking major works on domestic buildings.
This includes responsible retrofit, developing a retrofit plan, and details on solid wall insulation. Much of the content is vital for effective
retrofit projects and relevant to houses across the UK. Unfortunately, the mentioned tool is no longer accessible.
Key Recommendations
Explore formal or informal
permission, including: Planning
Permission, Listed Building Consent,
Building Regulation Approval,
Neighbour consent, and Highways
signoff. Planning Portal advises on
standardised requirements.
If required, apply for consent with
the relevant application forms to the
Planning Authority. Being thorough
increases the chances of a prompt
and clear decision. Supporting
materials include drawings, survey
report, and heritage statement.
Additional considerations include
costs (some permissions and the
preparatory works, e.g. fees for
drawings, surveys or statements),
and timing (assessment of an
application can take a couple of
months, on top of any preparation).
Neighbour consents, even if there
are no formal requirements, are
considered good practice, especially
where there will be an impact on
their property.
Permitted Development Rights are
applicable where works do not
require Planning Permission. These
do not apply to flats or conservation
areas. Even if the retrofit measures
do not require Planning Permission,
other consents may be needed.
The Local Planning Authority may
have removed some permitted
development rights by issuing an
‘Article 4’ direction. Most permitted
development rights are subject to
conditions and limitations, e.g. ‘Prior
Approval’ on certain classes.